Former WWE wrestler "Animal" of Legion of Doom fame dead at 60

Sep 23 2020, 5:23 pm

The WWE has announced that “Road Warrior Animal,” whose real name was Joe Laurinaitis, has died at the age of 60.

“Animal” was one half of a popular tag team that rose to fame in the 1990s known as the “Legion of Doom” in the WWE. Along with his tag team partner, “Hawk,” the duo was known for wearing face paint and arriving to the ring in metal-spiked shoulder pads.

Animal and Hawk were also known as the “Road Warriors” and competed in multiple pro wrestling circuits, including WCW. They were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

Unfortunately, Animal’s death is just the latest in a long line of pro wrestlers who have died at a young age. Animal’s tag team partner, Hawk, whose real name wasĀ Michael Hegstrand, has also passed away, dying of a heart attack in 2003 at the age of 46.

Yokozuna, Owen Hart, the British Bulldog, and Eddie Guerrero all died before age 40. Wrestlers who didn’t live until their 50th birthday include Andre the Giant,Ā Chris Benoit, Chyna, Rick Rude, Big Boss Man, Miss Elizabeth, and Bam Bam Bigelow.Ā The Ultimate Warrior, King Kong Bundy, and Jim Neidhart all died before age 60.

Rob WilliamsRob Williams

+ Offside
ADVERTISEMENT